Replying to your letter of the 18th., will say that I think that the lesson at Badin a year and a half ago has impressed Mr. Mann sufficiently that he will see to it that the men in charge give the proper protection to our convicts. I agree with you absolutely that the convicts should have the very best of attention, and that they should be protected from all dangers and treated as human beings.

I trust you will be able soon to let us know the result of your conference in reference to taking convicts from the Statesville Air Line and the Watauga & Yadkin River Railway Company.

With best wishes, I am,